Rising to the Challenge

As the Newark Boys Lacrosse team gears up for the 2025 season, anticipation and excitement are running high. This Class C team, under the new leadership of Head Coach Dave Stein, aims to build on the experiences and lessons of last year, bringing fresh energy and renewed determination to the field.

Season Recap

In 2024, the Newark team recorded a 6-10 record, a season marked by close games and a series of tough losses. They won two games by a margin of five or more goals but also experienced the bitter taste of defeat in seven matches with a similar margin. On a brighter note, they claimed victory in three nail-bitingly close games, showcasing their ability to keep their cool under pressure.

Graduated Seniors

The team bid farewell to eight seniors, including standout players like Kellen Foster, Giancarlo Colon, and Thomas Kirnie. These players were pivotal to the team, each earning All-League honors last year. Their absence will undoubtedly be felt, but it also opens up opportunities for new leaders to emerge. 

Returning Talents

This year's team will see the return of some key players who have already earned recognition in their respective positions. Sam Underhill (58 goals, 15 assists), a versatile midfielder/attacker, and Lucas Herd (3 goals, 2 assists), a defensive powerhouse, are set to play crucial roles. A trio of sophomores, Evan Shulla, Naz Garcia, and Ashton Kepler all look to have large roles on attack. Junior Jack Camblin and Senior Tristan Harris will lead the midfield. Sophomores Shaquonn Carithers, Conley Arbogast and Lucas Young also look to have a strong season at midfield and Seniors Lucas Herd and Lindsay Miller will anchor the defense.

Goals and Strategies

In the previous season, the team scored a total of 124 goals, with an average of 7.8 goals per game, but conceded 189 goals, averaging 11.8 goals against. mproving their defensive strategies and maintaining their offensive momentum will be key to turning those stats around in 2025. With 85% of last season's goals and 61% of assists returning, Newark aims to capitalize on their experienced core to bridge the gaps left by the graduated seniors.I

New Leadership

Dave Stein, the new Head Coach for Newark Boys Lacrosse, brings an impressive résumé and extensive experience. He was previously the FLCC Men's Lacrosse coach for 19 years and led the Women's Lacrosse program starting in Fall 2022. Stein coached Varsity Lacrosse at Newark High School (2000-2003) and at the Aquinas Institute (1993-1999). He also coached Boys Modified Lacrosse at Webster Central Schools (1991-1992).

A Michigan State University graduate (1989), Stein played lacrosse from 1986-1989, earning All-Conference honors in 1988 and serving as team captain in 1989. He has been named Mid-State Athletic Conference Coach of the Year four times, NJCAA Region III Coach of the Year twice, and National Coach of the Year twice.

After 21 years as a head coach at Finger Lakes Community College, Stein now returns to Newark, bringing his passion, commitment, and strategic vision. The team is hopeful that his guidance will improve their performance and foster a strong, cohesive unit ready to face any challenge.

Looking Ahead

The Newark Boys Lacrosse team faces a challenging but exciting road ahead. With a mix of seasoned players and rising stars, they are set to bring fierce competition to the league. The Newark community eagerly awaits the start of the season, ready to cheer on their team and witness their journey unfold.

With their eyes set on improving last year's record and clinching more victories, the Newark Boys Lacrosse team is ready to make 2025 a season to remember.

Preseason stories are based on information from SportsFive.NET databases and coaches.

Stories are planned for each of the teams in Section V and will be released, a few at a time, between now and the start of the playing season. The stories will remain on the front page for about one week and then will be available in the NEWS archive. There will be links for all the published stories HERE and a link will also be available on each TEAM PAGE.